Alongside ninjas and robots, pirates are an inherently cool concept that nearly everyone enjoys. Yet there are far fewer high-quality video games about them than one might expect. While many games feature pirates as playable characters or enemy fodder, they often are not the focus. Early access survival game Windrose sold over a million copies and garnered over 200,000 concurrent players on Steam in April, highlighting a clear hunger for pirate-themed titles.
To boost pirate representation, Ubisoft launched Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced this week. At least two other pirate games are scheduled for 2026: city builder Corsair Cove and free-to-play role-player Sea Of Remnants. To mark Black Flag Resynced's launch, GameCentral has compiled a list of the best pirate video games, scored on their overall pirate-ness from 'thar she blows' to 'shiver me timbers', with details on how to play them without resorting to digital piracy.
12. Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Video Game
Disney's Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise made pirates cool again for 2000s kids, but Disney dropped the ball on video game tie-ins. The Lego game by Traveller's Tales is a great choice for young children, especially via co-op. While never re-released for modern platforms due to licensing issues, it is readily available on PC through Steam.
11. One Piece Odyssey
One Piece Odyssey is a fully-fledged turn-based role-playing game that captures the source material's status as a juggernaut of Japanese pop culture. It gives control of the entire Straw Hat crew and takes players through the greatest hits of the manga/anime storyline. The battle system splits the battlefield across different areas, demanding strategy. Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC.
10. Skies Of Arcadia
Skies Of Arcadia is a well-regarded Japanese role-player from the Dreamcast era where players are sky pirates chartering floating islands. Players explore skies to fill out maps and recruit crew members. The only way to play is by tracking down a copy of the original Dreamcast version or GameCube port, neither of which are cheap on eBay.
9. Zack & Wiki: Quest For Barbaros’ Treasure
A 2007 Wii exclusive by Capcom, Zack & Wiki is an extremely inventive point-and-click puzzle game. Dismal sales mean Capcom is unlikely to acknowledge it again. It is not available on modern platforms and cannot be bought digitally since the Wii U eShop shut down. Physical copies are cheap on eBay, with one CeX listing for just £2.50.
8. Shantae And The Pirate’s Curse
WayForward's Shantae And The Pirate's Curse sees the half-genie hero adopt the pirate lifestyle after losing her powers. Pirate gear like a giant hat and cannon make for interesting level design. Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. WayForward announced a new Shantae game in 2026 for release next year.
7. Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire
Obsidian Entertainment's pirate-themed sequel offers fantastic seafaring action, with turn-based ship combat and satisfying customisation. The game is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It shares the fantasy setting of Eora with Avowed.
6. Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii has excellent pirate atmosphere with great ship combat and crew-building. It boasts some of the best beat 'em up combat in the series. Available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
5. Sid Meier’s Pirates!
Sid Meier's Pirates! is one of the earliest pirate sim/strategy games, originally released in 1987. It was fully remade in 2004 by Firaxis Games, adding nicer graphics. The game reflects every aspect of a pirate's life, including sailing, naval battles, trading, fencing duels, and wooing a governor's daughter. Available on PC via Steam for £5.99.
4. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
The original Black Flag is one of the best Assassin's Creed games and the quintessential open world pirate game. The remake Resynced offers better graphics, improved combat and stealth, expanded story, and greater depth to ship combat. It deemphasises present-day story elements. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
3. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew was the final game released by Mimimi Games, which closed due to expensive development costs. Players command a crew of ghost pirates with unique abilities, exploring islands and stealing treasure while avoiding the ghost-hunting Inquisition. The game remains available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC after indie publisher Hooded Horse bought the rights in 2024.
2. Sea Of Thieves
Sea Of Thieves is the go-to game for anyone obsessed with the pirate life fantasy. Players sail ships across open seas, seeking treasure and fending off rivals. After eight years, it has plenty of content, including a Pirates Of The Caribbean expansion. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox consoles, and PC for £39.99.
1. The Secret Of Monkey Island
The Secret Of Monkey Island is the best pirate video game and one of the best point-and-click adventure games ever made. It is persistently funny and was one of the first intentionally funny video games. A remastered special edition is available on PC via Steam, along with its sequels. The series heavily inspired Sea Of Thieves' humour.
